BILICKI'S NFL MOCK DRAFT: Defence rules in this year’s first round

It’s just a coincidence, but after watching defence dominate the game in the Super Bowl, we’re set to see a lot of defensive players – especially linemen – taken in the first round of this year’s draft.

1. Arizona

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Bosa is the consensus top pick right now and we don’t see that changing.

2. San Francisco

Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Between him and Allen, Williams is a better fit. Could also trade down for more picks.

3. New York Jets

Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

Even if he doesn’t work out as a pass rusher, has the athleticism to play standing up.

4. Oakland

Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

Unshockingly, the Raiders’ pass rush was terrible without Khalil Mack. Ferrell will help on that front.

5. Tampa Bay

Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

The Bucs’ pass defence was yet again among the league’s worst units.

6. New York Giants

Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

It might actually be smarter to upgrade their line and wait until next year’s better crop of QBs.

7. Jacksonville

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

The Jaguars, unlike the Giants, can’t afford to wait. They need a new QB now.

8. Detroit

Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

Ansah’s free agency raises even more questions about the Lions defensive front.

9. Buffalo

Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

If they want Josh Allen to succeed, they need to improve his protection.

10. Denver

Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Early reports are that the Broncos are locked in on Lock and could trade up to get him, if necessary.

11. Cincinnati

Devin White, LB, LSU

A seemingly perfect match here, White is an instant starter for them and a replacement for Burfict.

12. Green Bay

Ed Oliver, DL, Houston

This is probably too low for Oliver, but there are big questions about what position he’ll play in the NFL.

13. Miami

Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma

Has a big decision to make regarding baseball vs. football, but getting selected this high would make it easy.

14. Atlanta

Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Won’t be at the combine due to off-field issues, which should damage his stock.

15. Washington

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

If they don’t move up for a QB with Smith’s career possibly over, getting a top WR is a priority.

16. Carolina

Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

With Cam Newton’s durability in question, protecting him must paramount for the Panthers.

17. Cleveland

Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

Could end up being the top corner in the draft and would pair up well with Denzel Ward.

18. Minnesota

Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

Offensive line is the Vikings’ biggest need and there are several good prospects available here.

19. Tennessee

Montez Sweat, OLB, Mississippi State

A receiver could be the pick here, but Sweat had a strong Senior Bowl and great college production.

20. Pittsburgh

Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

Pittsburgh’s need for a corner is one of the most apparent at this point of the draft.

21. Seattle

Jachai Polite, DE, Florida

The Seahawks are lacking the type of pass rush that would help their rebuilding secondary.

22. Baltimore

Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

Hollywood Brown would add a big-play threat to the grounded Ravens offence.

23. Houston

Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State

Offensive line is the Texans’ biggest need with corner back not too far behind.

24. Oakland

Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

A strong Senior Bowl performance has put Jones into the Round 1 conversation.

25. Philadelphia

Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech

Getting their pass rush back to prominence and adding some youth on the line will help.

26. Indianapolis

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Another member of Clemson’s title-winning defence that will be a first-rounder.

27. Oakland

N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

After nabbing a potential Mack replacement earlier, could take an Amari Cooper replacement here.

28. L.A. Chargers

Nasir Adderley, FS, Delaware

Didn’t play against top competition, but showed off his talent in the Senior Bowl.

29. Kansas City

Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson

Pass defence was the Chiefs’ biggest flaw last season and will need an upgrade to take the next step.

30. Green Bay

Deionte Thompson, FS, Alabama

They ended the season with a CB playing safety, making the position a priority.

31. L.A. Rams

Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

Free agency will create more holes, but LBs are the weakness of the Rams defence right now.

32. New England

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

He can catch, block and would be a great eventual replacement for Gronk, whose future is in question.

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